Current Affairs

Dec 16, 2014

Music News- Lou Reed, Green Day and the 1970s soul singer Bill Withers are among the latest entrants to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

They, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, will be honored in Cleveland, OH on April 18, 2015 at the hall’s 30th annual induction ceremony, the organization will announce on Tuesday.

And, Ringo Starr will be given the award for musical excellence, previously called the sideman award, and to the "5" Royales, the rhythm-and-blues band known for playing the original versions of hits like “Dedicated to the One I Love”and “Think,” will be celebrated as an early music influence.

“These inductees epitomize rock ’n’ roll’s impact over the past 50 years and continuing through today,” Joel Peresman, president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a written statement.

Nov 27, 2014

Music News- The leaves have fallen, there's a chill in the air, so it's that time of year for season music. No, not the cheesy stuff! For as long as I can remember New York City’s classic rock station; which has unfortunately moved around the band and changed over the years has always played Arlo Guthrie’s satirically brilliant tune "Alice’s Restaurant Massacree" at noon on Thanksgiving Day. The last few years WFUV-FM (90.7) has continue the tradition.

The 18+ minute track is the entire A-side of Mr Guthrie’s 1967 album; Alice’s Restaurant. The song story is a telling tale ased on a true story of a Thanksgiving weekend back in 1965 that went awry and also just happens to also be a biting and humorous counter culture, anti-establishment, anti-war ode.

If you miss the NYC area playing, make sure to catch the saga at some point today via MNN, below-

Nov 19, 2014

Music News - U2's Bono is in a far worse condition that we were led to believe after his Sunday November 16 bike accident in NYC's Central Park. The rock singer had a "high-energy bicycle accident" when he tried to avoid another bike rider Sunday in Central Park, according to New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was treated.

The hospital released details on his injuries for the first time Wednesday night. It was originally reported that the U2 frontman Bono had suffered "an arm injury". The crash forced the band to cancel a week-long residency on Jimmy Fallon.

Full details of Bono’s injuries have now been disclosed to Rolling Stone. A report states that Bono suffers ”numerous serious injuries, including a “facial fracture involving the orbit of his eye,” three separate fractures of his left shoulder blade along with a fracture of his left humerus bone in his upper arm.”

Aug 23, 2014

Music News- Billy Bragg performed an impromptu show in Ferguson, MO on Tuesday (8/19). The British singer-songwriter was performing in nearby St Louis when he made the quick trip to the city, which has been in the headlines after the recent police shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown.

Speaking to entertainment mag, Rolling Stone, Bragg said: "A number of people said to me on Twitter, if you're going to go to St Lou, are you going to go to Ferguson? But we didn’t want to just go there and walk through Ferguson and be tourists. We wanted to do something for the community."

Bragg, along with Joe Purdy, played for an hour to 200 people in the courtyard of a pub called the Royale, owned by protester Steven Fitzpatrick Smith. During the set, Bragg played Woody Guthrie's 'Hangknot, Slipknot', civil rights song 'Cryin' In The Streets' as well as Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are A-Changin''.

Jul 24, 2014

MUSICNEWS- Farm Aid organizers today announced that its 2014 annual benefit festival will take place on Saturday, September 13, at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC, with tickets on sale to the public on Friday, August 1.

"In North Carolina and across the Southeast, family farmers have struggled to stay on the land, but they have also pioneered new roads to economic sustainability. This region knows the value of its farmers and offers increasing opportunities for new farmers to build a strong regional food system," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "On the Farm Aid stage Saturday, September 13, we'll celebrate family farmers and the healthy communities they're growing for all of us."

May 04, 2014

MUSICNEWS- Folk music legend PeteSeeger's vision and desire to clean up NY's Hudson River in the 1960s prompted a series of riverside concerts throughout the Hudson Valley to help raise the funds to “build a boat to save the river.” The banjo case was laid open to accept contributions, and this was the start of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater that also laid the foundations for the Great Hudson River Revival. This year’s Great Hudson River Revival will honor the late Pete and Toshi Seeger, co-founders of the festival and the organization. And, organizers of the fest have announced news on the many Clearwater friends that will perform tributes over the festival weekend this June.

The Great Hudson River Revival, the country’s oldest music and environmental festival, brings together major musical performers and Clearwater’s own brand of green activism for a unique weekend every June. This year, the Clearwater Festival will take place on June 21 and 22, on the banks of the Hudson River at beautiful Croton Point Park, Croton-On-Hudson, NY.

Dec 23, 2013

MUSIC NEWS- Bud Light announced last month that their Bud Light Hotel New York would take place on a brand-new cruise ship docked on the Hudson River in NYC. Today, the Official Beer Sponsor of the NFL announced its concert lineup for the four-day Bud Light Hotel that includes headline performances by Foo Fighters and Imagine Dragons as well as a tribute to New York City's hip-hop history curated by The Roots.

The festivities will kick off on Thursday, January 30, when EA SPORTS and Bud Light host "The Roots Present Hip Hop NYC" featuring RUN DMC, Busta Rhymes and tba special guests. The show will chronicle New York's hip-hop legacy with The Roots performing alongside legendary New York hip-hop artists. The concert will follow EA SPORTS Madden Bowl XX, which showcases NFL players and celebrities in head-to-head competitions playing Madden NFL 25.

MUSIC NEWS- Bud Light announced last month that their Bud Light Hotel New York would take place on a brand-new cruise ship docked on the Hudson River in NYC. Today, the Official Beer Sponsor of the NFL announced its concert lineup for the four-day Bud Light Hotel that includes headline performances by Foo Fighters and Imagine Dragons as well as a tribute to New York City's hip-hop history curated by The Roots.

The festivities will kick off on Thursday, January 30, when EA SPORTS and Bud Light host "The Roots Present Hip Hop NYC" featuring RUN DMC, Busta Rhymes and tba special guests. The show will chronicle New York's hip-hop legacy with The Roots performing alongside legendary New York hip-hop artists. The concert will follow EA SPORTS Madden Bowl XX, which showcases NFL players and celebrities in head-to-head competitions playing Madden NFL 25.

Oct 14, 2013

MUSIC NEWS- Multi Grammy nominated musician and songwriter, Thomas Dolby wants to help save America’s doomed historic lighthouses. The “Doomsday List”* of endangered lighthouses currently numbers forty six monuments that are threatened by erosion or lack of upkeep. Having been powerless to prevent the closure of a much-loved lighthouse near his own home, Dolby is setting out to alert the US public to the fact that many of these venerable landmarks are close to extinction.

This October and November, Dolby will tour North America with his groundbreaking transmedia show The Invisible Lighthouse, which features a screening of his award-winning film documenting the closing earlier this year of the Orford Ness lighthouse, visible from Dolby’s home studio in East Anglia, and the lack of co-operation he received from the authorities in his efforts to draw attention to its plight. As the film screens, Dolby and renowned sound designer Blake Leyh (The Abyss, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) will create the narration, score, songs and sound effects in real time.

The USA tour hits New York City (October 28), Los Angeles (November 22), and twenty three other cities coast-to-coast, many of which, even inland cities with rivers, possess surviving lighthouses in town or nearby.

“Some of these marvelous lighthouses have stood watch over our coasts for centuries, through devastating hurricanes, epic sea battles, daring rescues and thwarted invasions,” explains Dolby. “The U.S. public has a perpetual love affair with the lighthouse, but is probably unaware that many are on the verge of being lost forever. It is so sad to see them crumble. America is still a young country and we should be doing all we can to preserve our historic landmarks for future generations to enjoy.”

Thomas Dolby’s transmedia show The Invisible Lighthouse is focused on arthouse cinemas and independent film festivals, and will visiting the following cities and venues this Fall:

Sep 13, 2013

MUSIC NEWS - NJ rocker, Richie Sambora has released a touching new tribute song about September 11, co-written with the illustrious Bernie Taupin. The new tune, called “Engine 19”, honors the hard work and dedication of the brave men and women of the Fire Department, and all of the first responders around the country.

Just as the Bon Jovi "on sabbatical" guitarist shared the song with his loyal fans, we wanted to share with everyone as we were struck by how earnest and heartfelt this beautiful song is. Without any huge production, “Engine 19” spotlights Richie's talent for writing evocative music.

Mar 02, 2013

MUSIC NEWS - Chicago's Northside College Prep high school is pulling out all the normal stops for their benefit auction. Using the BiddingForGood website, who provide opportunities for buyers to put bids on everything from Pearl Jam at Wrigley Field tickets to various kinds of jewelry, the school has gotten help from a famous rocker. Yes, you can bid on a unique item; a recording session with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy.

The highest bidder will win an eight-hour recording session at the Wilco Loft in Chicago. Tweedy will oversee, help produce and arrange the winner's song during this time. There is even a chance that the winner may get Mr Tweedy to play on the track.

Jan 01, 2013

MUSIC NEWS - My Morning Jacket’s frontman, a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame legend, a beatboxing impresario, an indie darling and a legendary music composer. This is just a taste of what can be expected during the eclectic 23rd Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert on February 21, 2013, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Jim James, tUnE-yArDs, Rahzel, Patti Smith with Jessie Smith and Philip Glass are confirmed to perform with more artists to be announced soon. Glass is once again the artistic director and curator for the evening.

Tickets for the show are on sale now and can be purchased via www.carnegiehall.org, through Carnegie Charge by calling 212.247.7800 or in person at the Carnegie Hall Box Office (57th Street and Seventh Avenue). Special packages that include tickets to the concert and dinner reception with the performers can only be purchased through the Tibet House US at 212.807.0563 via www.tibethouse.us. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the work of the Tibet House US as well as the Hurricane Sandy Relief Foundation and the Tibetan Community of New York & New Jersey.

Nov 17, 2012

MUSIC NEWS- A stellar lineup has been revealed for the 12.12.12 benefit concert for
Hurricane Sandy Relief, scheduled for December 12 at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Sir Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, The Who, Roger Waters, Alicia Keys, Jon Bon Jovi and Billy Joel will top the lineup, with more artists to be announced. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Robin Hood Relief Fund, which is granting money and materials to tri-state organizations helping those affected by the storm. Ticket information will be announced soon via www.121212concert.org

12.12.12 is a collaboration between Clear Channel Media, the Madison Square Garden Company and the Weinstein Company, which also joined up for The Concert for New York City in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The MSG event will also get a television broadcast, but details have yet to be determined.

Oct 26, 2012

MUSIC NEWS - FORWARD, a new song performed by Grammy Award winning R&B singer-songwriter NE YO, THE GOO GOO DOLLS’ JOHNNY RZEZNIK , music legend HERBIE HANCOCK, DELTA RAE and NATASHA BEDINGFIELD was released this week as a grassroots effort to motivate and inspire nationwide voter participation in the upcoming 2012 Presidential election.

The song was written and created by hit songwriters Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois of the The New Radicals, and Fred Goldring, who was behind the 2008 multiple award-winning grassroots music video YES WE CAN with will.i.am. Grammy Award winning producer John Shanks produced the record, and the powerful music video for the song was produced and directed by Graham Henman and his team at Hello and Company.

Oct 14, 2012

MUSIC NEWS - Mitt Romney's running mate, Paul Ryan, has been accused of stealing an anecdote from the late Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain. During this week's Vice Presidential debate (October 11), Republican congressman Ryan told a story about how his daughter Liza got the nickname Bean, when answering a question about abortion. Gawker reports that it was quickly noted by Twitter users that Ryan's story was very similar to grunge rocker Cobain's, who said he gave his daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, her unique middle name because she looked like a kidney bean on his wife Courtney Love's ultrasound scan images. Curious, because Ryan has stated that he is a big fan of Nirvana, as well as Rage Against The Machine.

In the debate, Ryan said: "You know, I think about ten and a half years ago, my wife Janna and I went to Mercy hospital in Janesville where I was born for our seven week ultrasound for our first born child. And we saw that heartbeat. Our little baby was in the shape of a bean, and to this day we have nicknamed our first born, Liza, 'Bean'."